The ORCHID BALLROOM Purley, Near Croydon
Did anyone ever go dancing in the Orchid Ballroom, back in the 1950s? I most certainly did, even though I was only approaching my 17th birthday!
This superb dance venue, with its huge floor, revolving bandstand and some of THE best dance-bands in the country was hugely successful in those long-gone days and was the place where many lasting relationships were formed.
One evening I was lucky enough to be there when "Come Dancing" was being broadcast! What a privilege that was.
Another memorable night was when Victor Sylvester and his Orchestra were guesting there. The great Victor, so elegant as he conducted his small ensemble.
Although the place no longer exists as a dance-hall the memories of it linger on. I can still see myself walking down the carpeted steps to the pay-box on the left, searching the crowd within to see if I knew any of the dancers.
One evening I asked the resident bandleader if we could have their version of 'Jezebel' which had been in the top ten with Frankie Laine belting it out. No problem he said, and their male vocalist did a marvellous rendition of that lusty song.
I've no idea what that building is used for now. I do know that it was THE best place to go for ballroom dancing back then. It will live forever in my heart and memory.
Philip Harfleet
pg.harfleet@googlemail.com
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RE: RE: The ORCHID BALLROOM at Purley, Near Croydon
I used to frequent the Orchid in the 1960s. At that time it was Ray McVey and his band. Great times - rarely any trouble, out by 11pm to get the bus home. It changed its name a few times but remained a dance hall but it is now a 'Fitness First' studio.
Comment from Margaret Greer on Saturday, 24th April 2010.
RE: RE: The ORCHID BALLROOM Purley, Near Croydon
I also used to go to the Orchid in the 60s, usually Sunday evenings.Great memories of those times, there was an ice grotto at one end next to one of the bars, selling ice cream & cola,their cola was so cold it used to freeze your head! The other end was a revolving bar, food bar with big cages with budgies in. Upstairs was another bar.
It changed its name a few times, Tiffinys, Cinderella Rockerfellas and a few more before finally closing. It is now divided in two, The main entrance down the stairs is Fitness First. The right hand side, entrance at the end of the shops, is now ten pin bowling.
I've been bowling there twice, works Xmas party 2006/7. First time bowling since the 60s when I was a regular at the bowling alley in Tamworth Road, Croydon. But that's another story!!!
Comment from Margaret Collins on Wednesday, 11th August 2010.
RE: RE: The ORCHID BALLROOM Purley, Near Croydon
I was in the Navy when I went dancing at the Orchid. It was in 1950/51 when a crowd of us matelots used to go. I believe a few romances blossomed, but I missed out. The only names I remember are a Stoker called Suter and a young lady called Cynthia Arnold.
Comment from Denis Robins on Saturday, 13th November 2010.
RE: RE: The ORCHID BALLROOM Purley, Near Croydon
Thanks for your comment Denis. My first dance was mid-1951 thru to end of 1952. Joined the RAF in Jan '53 and that kept me out of the Orchid for three years! Great times; super ballroom and some fab orchestras.
Comment from Philip Harfleet on Saturday, 13th November 2010.
RE: RE: The ORCHID BALLROOM Purley, Near Croydon
I remember the "orchid" ballroom very well. The corners of the dance floor were roped off for us 'jivers'. I saw Ted Heath and his orchestra there. Also went to the Grandison ballroom in Norbury. Another place was St Peter's Hall in South Croydon. which got closed down. So many happy memories of such a long time ago.
Comment from Catherine Wallis on Tuesday, 1st March 2011.
RE: RE: The ORCHID BALLROOM Purley, Near Croydon
Wow! I have found THE Orchid Ballroom Purley. I thought I was the only one left who went there. In 1966 I met a fine girl there who was only in the country for a short time. Her name was Susy and she was from California. I was instantly infatuated. I can still remember her so well. What is more I still have her photo, I was 19 and she was I think 16. I too remember the stairs going down, the red carpet and the revolving bar and the walkway behind the stage. When I hear "I can't let go" by The Hollies or maybe "Bang Bang" by Cher I remenber The Orchid..... Cheers, Phil.
Comment from Philip Ross on Friday, 25th February 2011.
RE: RE: The ORCHID BALLROOM Purley, Near Croydon
I was only at the Orchid once - just after Christmas 1967 going to my first 'rock' concert - The Who. I went with two friends, dressed up in a new suit my Dad had bought for me. We first went to the Railway pub near Streatham Common station to try and get served. I was nearly six foot so I got served a half, but my friends had to do with lemonade (maybe a shandy) - I still remember the barman saying "I'll serve you, but not those two.". We went up Greyhound Lane to try it on at the the Greyhound pub - but they would not serve any of us! Took the 109 bus to Purley and I remember a long walk to find the place. I remember the luxuriousness of the Orchid but not the food and beverage outlet - perhaps the half was working its magic. Concert was fantastic - 'I can't explain', 'Pictures of Lily' , 'My generation' and quite a few I don't remember! The only other time I went to a concert in Croydon was when my Dad took me to the Jazz and Blues Festival - he was a Stan Kenton and Dizzie Gillespie fan - at Fairfiled Halls - saw Sonny Boy Williamson!
Comment from Martin Cassell on Sunday, 15th April 2012.
RE: RE: The ORCHID BALLROOM Purley, Near Croydon
I have inherited a little pendant from my Gran, a little gold coloured chick hatching out of an egg. It has the words Mecca on one side and Easter 1964 on the other. My mum thinks it may have been given at the Orchid Ballroom. Can anyone help shed some light on it? How silly of me not to have asked when she was here. I would appreciate any comments, thank you.
Comment from Beverley Farley on Wednesday, 2nd May 2012.